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Understand Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

Alcohol by Volume, or ABV, is the percentage of ethanol present within an alcoholic beverage. The percentage is derived by calculating how many milliliters of ethanol are in 100 milliliters of the beverage at 68 degrees. This standard is used all over the world to determine how much alcohol is in an alcoholic beverage.

How much alcohol is in a beverage will determine how intoxicated a person will become when they have been drinking. If the volume is high, you don’t want to drive after a beverage or two. A person is usually not impaired after a beer or two, but a couple glasses of wine, vodka, brandy, or champagne can put you over the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in your state, which then classifies you as a drunk driver. The smaller a person is, the faster they can become intoxicated. There are many factors that influence how alcohol affects a person.

Understanding alcohol by volume and how it affects BAC can help people make the right decisions when they have been drinking. For instance, a person may feel fine to drive after a couple glasses of wine, but a breathalyzer or blood test may state otherwise. Knowing how certain alcoholic beverages could affect you could keep you from behind the wheel of a car so that DUI can be avoided.

Alcohol Content of Beer and Other Beverages

The following are the average alcohol content for the most popular alcoholic beverages:

• Beer alcohol content – Between 4 percent and 6 percent. For example, Bud Light alcohol content is 4.2 percent.
• Vodka alcohol content – A typical level of 40 percent, but can be as much as 50 percent. European Union vodka has an average alcohol volume of 37.5 percent.
• Brandy – An average of 4 percent, but can be as low as 35 percent and as high as 60 percent.
• Wine coolers – Wine coolers have an average alcohol volume of between 3.5 percent and 5 percent.
• Wine – An average alcohol volume between 11.5 percent and 13.5 percent.
• Champagne – An average alcohol percentage of between 11.5 percent and 12.5 percent.

Keep these percentages in mind because this information could prevent you from making a bad decision. If you have already been accused of drunk driving, this may explain why a breath test showed you over the legal alcohol limit. It’s important that you have all the details and understand the reasoning behind charges so you can make sound decisions that influence the outcome of your case.

Using an Alcohol Calculator

If you’re ever in doubt, you could use a calculator that guesses the concentration of alcohol in your blood. While not 100% because many factors can go into a high BAC, it’s helpful in helping you determine what your BAC could be after drinking a certain amount of a beverage. To get your possible BAC, this calculator takes into consideration what you’ve been drinking, how much you’ve been drinking, your weight, and whether you’ve had food.

These calculators are available online or you can download a calculator from your phone’s app store. Many of them are free. Just keep in mind that this is not to be relied upon. These calculators aren’t aware of the fact your physiology could cause you to process alcohol differently than someone of similar size.

When You’re Caught Driving Under the Influence

A DUI is devastating because it could potentially result in a criminal record that can impact the rest of your life. When pulled over, it is important to cooperate and say nothing. The words “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” are used when being read your Miranda Rights for a reason. They mean that anything you say, even innocent things, could be misconstrued and used against you.

If you have already been through this process, you know what is being referred to here. If you are the friend or family member of someone who has been arrested for DUI, you want to advise them to say nothing else and call a DUI attorney as soon as possible.

The attorney will advise on what to say and what not to say and ensure rights are protected. Believe it or not, rights violations happen during DUI arrests. Perhaps Miranda Rights aren’t read or the stop happened without probable cause. There are different elements that can be challenged by an experienced defense lawyer.

Even if the BAC blown in the breath test is .08 percent or above, the validity can be challenged. The attorney may look at the device used and the accuracy of that device. There are breathalyzer devices that are used by law enforcement agencies around the country that have been successfully challenged in court.

These devices have been challenged because they have been known to give false readings. Perhaps the same person blew a different number twice or the blood test that was taken within two hours after the offense showed an unusually fast drop in the concentration of alcohol in the blood when compared to the breath test result.

There are many possibilities and the criminal attorney will leave no stone unturned when determining what occurred. If there was the slightest deviation from the legal arrest process, the process can be challenged. If results are believed to be faulty, an aggressive argument will be made.

How Alcohol Volume Can Affect Consequences

Once the charge is in place, your attorney has a job to do and that is to secure the best outcome for you. Even when there is merit to the charge, the maximum penalties may not be warranted. You have an advocate in your corner who wants to see you move on with your life in the most productive way possible.

As for how alcohol volume could help determine your future, the amount of alcohol in the beverage leads to the concentration of alcohol in your blood. In most, if not all, states, you are over the legal limit of the alcohol concentration is .08 or above. When you start approaching .16 or .20, the DUI offense can be enhanced. This means what could be a typical first-time misdemeanor offense could become a gross misdemeanor or even a felony. How many aggravating factors are present at the time can determine how enhanced the offense becomes. This shows what kind of role alcohol by volume in an alcoholic beverage plays when pulled over for DUI.

You Have Friends in Your Corner

When charged with DUI, you don’t have to face it alone. When you have a competent attorney on your side, there is a chance. You also have resources. At duiwise.com, we want to be a part of the equation that gives you peace of mind. We inform you of what is happening, but also connect you with resources that could potentially put you on the path to the future that you need to have.

Just because you have been accused of DUI doesn’t mean that you are doomed to prison or a future that is riddled with rejections because of a criminal record. There are times when DUI offenses are reduced to minor traffic offenses, especially when it’s a first-time DUI. There are also times when the charges are completely dismissed because there wasn’t probable cause for the stop or another violation occurred during the arrest process.

Don’t ever believe that you have to accept the charges against you when there is hope. Even if you drank brandy that had 60 percent alcohol and got behind the wheel of a car because your BAC calculator app said you were ok to drive, there is hope. Accepting the charges simply gives the prosecution the opportunity to have you slapped with the maximum penalties. The maximum penalties aren’t always warranted, which is why it is worthwhile to seek answers and to find an attorney who will put up an aggressive fight against the charges.

DUI FAQ

Being pulled over and arrested for a DUI is a serious offense that may result in a number of severe penalties. Even if it is only your first offense, you will be facing a serious charge that could have severe repercussions on your life for at least several years to come. This is not a charge that you want to treat with anything less than total seriousness. If you are facing a DUI trial, or simply want to educate yourself on all of the possible penalties involved, please have a look at this handy FAQ.

How long can you go to jail for drunk driving?

The length of time you can be sentenced to prison for a drunk driving conviction depends on a number of factors. These include whether or not this is your first offense, whether you caused damage to property, and whether or not an accident that you were responsible for resulted in injuries or fatalities. At the moment, you can sentenced to up to six months in prison for a DUI conviction in every state. This does not mean that this will automatically happen. In most first offense cases, you will normally be given a fine and a length of time on probation. However, the option for prison time exists in every state.

Is drunk driving a felony?

Most DUI offenses, especially first offenses, are considered to be misdemeanors. However, there are certain circumstances under which a DUI can become a felony. If you have prior DUI or DWI convictions, a further arrest will result in a felony case. If other people were injured or killed as a result of an accident you caused, this will raise the level of your case from a misdemeanor to a felony. If you were arrested for DUI while driving with a suspended license, this can also raise your case to the felony level.

Is a second DUI a felony?

In many states, a second DUI will automatically result in a felony case. The number of DUI convictions it takes to reach the felony level will depend on the state you are arrested in. In some states, it may take until the third or fourth DUI conviction to reach the felony level. However, in all states, a second DUI conviction results in significantly higher penalties – such as higher fines and a longer suspension of your driver’s license – that you must pay, regardless of whether or not you are charged with a felony.

Is your license suspended immediately after a DUI?

In many states, the officer who arrests you will give you a DUI citation, which temporarily takes the place of your driver’s license. This citation gives you the privilege of driving for 10 days. However, the officer may also choose to impound your vehicle for 10 days. If you are ultimately convicted of a DUI and this is your first offense, your license may be suspended for a period of six months. If this is not your first offense, or if there are injuries or fatalities involved, your license may be suspended for a longer period of time or even permanently revoked.

Is drunk driving a criminal offense?

A few states, such as New Jersey and Wisconsin, do not consider DUI or DWI as a criminal offense. However, even in these states, you will still face considerable penalties, such as heavy fines and the suspension or permanent loss of your driver’s license. In all other states, DUI and DWI are definitely considered to be legitimate criminal offenses. A DUI or DWI conviction will carry with it severe penalties that could affect the quality of your life for several years to come.

What happens when you get a DUI for the first time?

In most cases, when you get a DUI for the first time, you will be charged with a misdemeanor offense. You can receive up to six months in prison although, in most cases, you are more likely to receive mandatory probation or counseling. You may also be sentenced to pay a fine, complete a number of state mandated community hours, and receive a suspension of your license for a court mandated amount of time.

How long do you get your license suspended for a DUI?

If this is your first conviction for a DUI, your driver’s license may be suspended for a period of six months. If this is not your first offense, if there is property damage that you were the cause of, or if there are injuries or fatalities involved, your license may be suspended for a longer period of time. It may even be permanently revoked. If you are convicted of a second DUI, the suspension of your license may last for up to five years, especially if this second offense came within five years of your first conviction.

How much does it cost for a DUI?

It is not really possible to give a “one size fits all” answer to the question of just how much a DUI conviction will cost you. However, in most states, you can expect to have your vehicle impounded for a period of 10 days. Depending on the fees the impound lot charges, you can expect to pay at least $1,000. There is also the matter of the amount you will need to pay to your DUI attorney. Depending on the amount you agree on, you may expect to pay them anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000.

You may be required to take special DUI classes, which may run anywhere from $500 to $1,000. The average DMV fee for the reinstatement of your license is $100. Finally, you will need to consider the long term increase that will occur when your insurance rates go up. Depending on what the penalties are in this case, you may ultimately be forced to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 over a period of up to 13 years.

Do you get put on probation for a DUI?

If this is your first conviction for a DUI, you can normally expect to be put on probation for a specified period of time. In most states, the length of your probation will be six months. It should be pointed out that, in some states, you may still be sentenced to serve a short amount of prison time, especially if the circumstances surrounding your offense were especially serious. However, if this is not the case, you can generally expect to serve a specified amount of time on probation, usually accompanied by required attendance at DUI classes and a fine.

How Soon Should You Hire a DUI Lawyer?

If you are facing DUI charges, it’s an excellent idea to hire a DUI lawyer immediately. This is not an area in which you will be qualified to act in your own defense. Your best bet for a positive outcome in your case is to engage the services of a qualified legal professional. A DUI lawyer can help you collect and organize all of the material you need to make use of in order to present your case in the best possible light. They can also determine if the case against you is weak enough to warrant a serious reduction or even dismissal of the charges. The time to hire a lawyer is now.

How to Hire a DUI Lawyer

You can contact us at any time to arrange for a free consultation concerning your case. We will be happy to review your case and give you an honest opinion on your chances for getting the charges reduced or dismissed. We will also give you an honest and accurate quote concerning the cost of representing you at your DUI trial. Feel free to get in touch today in order to learn more about what we can do on your behalf.

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During his time on the Supreme Court bench, Pierce Butler was widely known for being the author of a number of firsts. He was the first Catholic to be appointed to the bench. He was also the only member of the Democratic party to be nominated to the bench by a Republican President, in this case, Warren G. Harding. Butler was known for his extreme conservative stances on issues. In later years, he was one of the infamous “Four Horsemen” on the Supreme Court bench who were known for radical opposition to the “New Deal” legislation of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The Life of a Supreme Court Justice Began as the Son of Immigrants

Pierce Butler was born in Dakota County, Minnesota on March 17, 1866. He was the son of Catholic immigrants who had been forced to flee from Ireland in the wake of the potato famine. He completed his initial schooling at Carleton College, graduating as a member of the prestigious Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He then prepared for a legal career by reading for the bar, which he won admission to in 1888. He was married to Annie Cronin in 1891.

Early Success Representing Railroads Set the Tone For a Successful Career

Butler won election to the post of county attorney for Ramsey County in 1892. He was subsequently reelected in 1894. After serving successfully in this position, he then joined the legal firm of How and Eller in 1896. After the death of senior partner Homer Eller in 1897, the firm became How and Butler. Some time later, Butler accepted a new offer from James J. Hill to practice law on behalf of railroad interests in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was highly successful as a company man and gained a far ranging fame for being a staunch defender of railroad and other corporate interests.

Butler Reached the Pinnacle of His Local Success in 1908

Butler then returned to his private practice, rejoining Jared How in 1905. During his time in St. Paul, he had also served as a lawyer in a firm owned by five of his brothers. In 1908, Butler reached the pinnacle of his local success by being elected to the post of President of the Minnesota State Bar Association. His connections with railroad interests were a major part of his success, which he sought to minimize by proclaiming his ultimate independence from any particular set of outside influences.

A Sudden Move to Canada Presaged His Ultimate Success in America

In the year 1912, Butler made a very surprising left turn. He left the United States in order to work as a lawyer in Canada. However, the move was soon explained when it became known that he was working on behalf of the shareholders of railroad companies. During the next decade, Butler worked tirelessly on behalf of the rich corporate class in Canada. He applied much the same methods and general philosophy that had won him the friendship of corporate interests in his native country, with the result that his personal wealth increased to a prodigious level.

Surprisingly, this career move had a positive effect on his prospects for success back home in the United States. Butler was in the process of winning a total of 12 million dollars for shareholders of the Toronto Street Railway when news of his nomination to the United States Supreme Court broke in 1922.

Butler’s Nomination to the Supreme Court Was a Source of Controversy

The nomination of Pierce Butler to the Supreme Court by President Harding was seen as a victory for conservative corporate interests. The move was opposed by a variety of influential figures, including Senators Robert M. LaFollette, Sr. and Henrik Shipstead. It was also opposed by labor unions, Progressive elements of both parties, and even the Ku Klux Klan – this last demurral due to Butler’s status as a practicing Catholic. However, the nomination was a success and Butler took his seat on the Supreme Court bench as an Associate Justice in 1922.

Butler’s Career as a Supreme Court Justice Was a Conservative Victory

Butler quickly established himself as a true champion of corporate interests. He was known for his steadfast refusal to countenance any kind of regulation of corporate activities. This included his continuing rejection of anti-trust legal theory as well as any new measures in that direction that were contemplated by Progressive elements in either party. This led him into direct conflict with President Franklin D. Roosevelt on more than one occasion. Indeed, despite his own status as a member of the Democratic Party, Butler was known as an ally of Republican conservative elements.

Butler Proved to Be a Lifelong Opponent of Progressive Theory

Butler’s presence on the bench made him a constant thorn in the side of President Roosevelt, as well as Progressive elements in both parties. During his time as a Supreme Court Justice, Butler consistently voted against the enactment of New Deal legislation. This included the Agricultural Adjustment Administration and the National Recovery Administration. At the very height of the Great Depression, Butler was also a staunch foe of Federal welfare programs, holding them to be unconstitutional.

The End Came For Butler While Still Serving on the Bench

The end finally came for Pierce Butler while still serving on the Bench. On November 15, 1939, Butler was admitted to a Washington, D.C. hospital after claiming to suffer from a “minor ailment.” However, Butler was pronounced dead at the hospital the following morning. His body was taken back to St. Paul, Minnesota and interred at the Catholic Calvary cemetery.

Butler’s Legacy as a Supreme Court Justice

After his death, Butler was honored by fellow members of the conservative “Four Horsemen” on the Bench. However, his legacy remains controversial. His staunch opposition to New Deal reforms was the logical outcome of his championship of railroad and other corporate interests. He remains well regarded by conservative members of both parties and has latterly been hailed as a forerunner of the modern Neoconservative position.